Less vs. Fewer

Lessons about Less

Question: What's the opposite of the word more?

If you think the only answer is less -- think again. The word less should only be used with singular forms of words. For example, less may be used with "time," "work," "noise," and "sleep."

Never use less with plural forms of words; use fewer instead. For example, fewer should be used with "associates," "problems," "choices," and "jobs."

	Comparing Less with Fewer
	Write less lighter fluid but fewer matches. Write less coffee but fewer cups.

	More About Less (and Fewer)
	An apple has less fat than a hamburger. An apple has fewer calories than a hamburger.